Are Internet Marketers Just A Bunch Of Shameless Liars?

by SMS
74 replies
I conducted a survey with a select group of Internet Marketers, and the responses I got are simply shocking.

To be honest, I am inclined to call the respondents a bunch of liars, but before I do so, I'd like you to participate in this poll.

The poll is a slightly modified version of one of the questions I asked in the survey. In fact, the almost unanimous response I got to this question is, I think, the most shocking of the lot.

I am hoping that the responses I get here on the Warrior Forum will help me determine which of two courses of action to take.
  1. Accept the results, and then completely alter the Belief System that I (and most other Internet Marketers) have about IM.
  2. Disregard the results because I was being lied to!
Please, leave your explanations below.

Many thanks,

Oz.
#bunch #internet #liars #marketers #shameless
  • Profile picture of the author Tor-Sigurd D.R
    Lol I clicked wrong... option 2 obviously.
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    • Profile picture of the author SMS
      Mistake noted.

      Originally Posted by Tor-Sigurd D.R View Post

      Lol I clicked wrong... option 2 obviously.
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      • Profile picture of the author Daniel Brock
        What a lot of you fail to realize is those hyped up sales letters you are referring to aren't for us.

        They are for the average joe who just thought about making money online and is intoxicated by the dream of easy wealth online with no work.

        Well guess what... sell them a product that talks about building a real business by putting in a ton of work and you'll make jack squat.

        Try it. Seriously. You'll see why some of the CB letters are positioned as one click.

        Here's where it gets even funnier.

        Even people here on the Warrior forum don't want to be told about building a business. Look at most of the top selling WSOs. They are mostly all push button wealth oriented, but in a more feature based sense.

        Your options are to be "morally right" by selling them on the features of your product and make jack squat...

        Or you can pick out the best benefits of your product and focus your sales message around that and get the conversions you need to make your product appealing to affiliates.

        Personally, I'd rather have an awesome product people need and sell them on what they want (hyped up push button dream)
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        • Profile picture of the author Grace Hawthorne
          Banned
          Originally Posted by Daniel Brock View Post

          Personally, I'd rather have an awesome product people need and sell them on what they want (hyped up push button dream)
          Daniel, if your product is not actually a push button dream, would it be fair to say that you are comfortable using sales tactics that are less than ethical?
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          • Profile picture of the author SMS
            I can't answer for Daniel, but if you a vendor creates a solid that will help customers build and grow a solid business, and also offer an implementation with click button simplicity - then it would be possible to offer both what the WANT and what they NEED.

            In the marketing, the vendor can then focus on what the customer WANTS.
            Originally Posted by Grace Hawthorne View Post

            Daniel, if your product is not actually a push button dream, would it be fair to say that you are comfortable using sales tactics that are less than ethical?
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        • Profile picture of the author SMS
          Very interesting contribution, Daniel! Especially your last paragraph.

          One point, though...

          I wasn't actually referring to any sales letter in this or the original survey. This is an honest attempt to find out what people really WANT, or maybe what they THINK THEY WANT.

          The results I got from the original survey wasn't at all what I was expecting.

          Originally Posted by Daniel Brock View Post

          What a lot of you fail to realize is those hyped up sales letters you are referring to aren't for us.

          They are for the average joe who just thought about making money online and is intoxicated by the dream of easy wealth online with no work.

          Well guess what... sell them a product that talks about building a real business by putting in a ton of work and you'll make jack squat.

          Try it. Seriously. You'll see why some of the CB letters are positioned as one click.

          Here's where it gets even funnier.

          Even people here on the Warrior forum don't want to be told about building a business. Look at most of the top selling WSOs. They are mostly all push button wealth oriented, but in a more feature based sense.

          Your options are to be "morally right" by selling them on the features of your product and make jack squat...

          Or you can pick out the best benefits of your product and focus your sales message around that and get the conversions you need to make your product appealing to affiliates.

          Personally, I'd rather have an awesome product people need and sell them on what they want (hyped up push button dream)
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        • Profile picture of the author Dean Jackson
          As tough as this pill is to swallow - it's the "cold as ice" truth about online marketing.

          There will be "business owners", and there will be "biz opp seekers" (who want everything handed to them on a silver platter). That's probably why the poll only has 10 votes so far ...

          Once you make the shift to business owner, those shiny push button products become invisible - unfortunately, it's not going to happen any time soon. Biz opp seekers will continue finding product after product with nothing to show for it (and come back here to bitch and moan about how IM is bullsh*t).

          - Dean



          Originally Posted by Daniel Brock View Post

          What a lot of you fail to realize is those hyped up sales letters you are referring to aren't for us.

          They are for the average joe who just thought about making money online and is intoxicated by the dream of easy wealth online with no work.

          Well guess what... sell them a product that talks about building a real business by putting in a ton of work and you'll make jack squat.

          Try it. Seriously. You'll see why some of the CB letters are positioned as one click.

          Here's where it gets even funnier.

          Even people here on the Warrior forum don't want to be told about building a business. Look at most of the top selling WSOs. They are mostly all push button wealth oriented, but in a more feature based sense.

          Your options are to be "morally right" by selling them on the features of your product and make jack squat...

          Or you can pick out the best benefits of your product and focus your sales message around that and get the conversions you need to make your product appealing to affiliates.

          Personally, I'd rather have an awesome product people need and sell them on what they want (hyped up push button dream)
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          • Profile picture of the author SMS
            Hmm... so only the "business owners" are voting, and the "biz opp seekers" have abstained? I wonder why?
            Originally Posted by Dean Jackson View Post


            There will be "business owners", and there will be "biz opp seekers" (who want everything handed to them on a silver platter). That's probably why the poll only has 10 votes so far ...

            - Dean
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        • Profile picture of the author Sean A McAlister
          Originally Posted by Daniel Brock View Post


          Personally, I'd rather have an awesome product people need and sell them on what they want (hyped up push button dream)
          Hey Daniel,

          With all due respect. That type of mentality is what leads to these kinds of posts. Selling a "Hyped Dream" giving the illusion of "Push Button Riches" is not the way to sell people ..it only jades people in the end....get's the FTC, FBI and every other agency hunting the IM Community! ( in my opinion)

          Sure, the front end conversion may be better...but what does it do to the backend refunds once folks realize that they do in fact have to work....and they were sold yet another "Push Button" dream.

          Personally, I would rather have an awesome product that people need, sell them on the "Solution" to that need with effective marketing, not hype....even if it means lower front end conversions.
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          • Profile picture of the author SMS
            I agree with you Sean that it's way better to OFFER a REAL solution.

            However, if at all possible, I think one would have the best results if he or she OFFERED both, because both front-end sales and customer satisfaction will be sky high. Isn't that what we all want?

            The problem is that the so called push-button solutions don't even do the push-button thingy well enough, let alone provide a REAL solution.

            Originally Posted by Sean A McAlister View Post

            Hey Daniel,

            With all due respect. That type of mentality is what leads to these kinds of posts. Selling a "Hyped Dream" giving the illusion of "Push Button Riches" is not the way to sell people ( in my opinion)

            Sure, the front end conversion may be better...but what does it do to the backend refunds once folks realize that they do in fact have to work....and they were sold yet another "Push Button" dream.


            Personally, I would rather have an awesome product that people need, sell them on the "Solution" to that need with effective marketing, not hype....even if it means lower front end conversions.
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            • Profile picture of the author Kay King
              So what do people buy, then? If they don't buy what they WANT? And if they don't buy what they NEED, either.
              Even a practical person can have times when they fall for a flashy object or a great sales spiel. Happens in IM, in jewelry and clothing stores, in relationships, too. We all have psychological triggers - that's why sales pages cover so many "issues" - from being poor to no respect to having a fancy house or car. The goal of a copywriter is to hit as many triggers as possible.

              The results I got from the original survey wasn't at all what I was expecting.
              Not good to have expectations of what a poll/survey/experiment will show. The results depend on the honesty of responders and on the quality of the questions. If you start with a pre-conceived answer, you may skew the results.

              kay
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              • Profile picture of the author SMS
                Ok... I can relate to this explanation.

                So people visit a sales page that is selling something they neither NEED nor WANT, but the copy is so effective at hitting their emotional triggers - that they end up buying what's on offer even though they never NEEDED or WANTED it.

                The magic of copywriting.

                Just makes me wonder how effective copy that is selling what people actually WANT can be.

                My only expectations, really, was that the result wouldn't be as one-sided as it turned out. I had no expectations regarding the actual answers to the questions.

                Originally Posted by Kay King View Post

                Even a practical person can have times when they fall for a flashy object or a great sales spiel. Happens in IM, in jewelry and clothing stores, in relationships, too. We all have psychological triggers - that's why sales pages cover so many "issues" - from being poor to no respect to having a fancy house or car. The goal of a copywriter is to hit as many triggers as possible.



                Not good to have expectations of what a poll/survey/experiment will show. The results depend on the honesty of responders and on the quality of the questions. If you start with a pre-conceived answer, you may skew the results.

                kay
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                • Profile picture of the author TG12
                  I think my opinion stems from just having a very skeptical view of IM from when I first started and I never got sold on the whole "make $13531.07 whilst walking the dog" type stuff from day one.
                  Even before I came to this forum for YEARS I saw these things around the internet and was so skeptical about it. The people who are making the REAL money are the people selling these so called products. I'm guessing after the initial purchase they require substantial effort from the buyer that's why they do not ring true of the initial advert.

                  In No uncertain terms, Internet Marketing is a BUSINESS just like a Car Sales Place.
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  • Profile picture of the author Linda_C
    Originally Posted by SMS View Post

    Please, leave your explanations below.
    I didn't vote because neither option applies. I've been self employed for many years so I don't need foundations and I don't buy into push button hype. I buy stuff to learn specific skills I don't have or think I could do better.

    It seems like your poll targets newbies??
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    • Profile picture of the author SMS
      Very good point, Linda.

      Unfortunately, I can't modify the poll.

      Let's change option 2 to:

      A product that will show you how to build and grow your Online Business.

      Thanks for that.
      Originally Posted by Linda_C View Post

      I didn't vote because neither option applies. I've been self employed for many years so I don't need foundations and I don't buy into push button hype. I buy stuff to learn specific skills I don't have or think I could do better.

      It seems like your poll targets newbies??
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      • Profile picture of the author SMS
        Hi Joe,

        It's simply a trade of time against money, and there are valid arguments for both options.

        The one, very important point I'd like to make is that you have to be very careful that the source of the information (be it free or paid) is reliable and trustworthy.

        Originally Posted by Joe.Mc View Post

        I would pick option C "I don't buy IM products" Why waste money on information you can find for free using google and the large number of IM forums that are about now.

        I would rather spend the money I save on hiring content writers that charge a respectable wage.
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        • Profile picture of the author SMS
          I can't argue with your decision, like I said it's a valid one.

          Originally Posted by Joe.Mc View Post

          Very true, but I would prefer to waste time over wasting time and money!

          I think my opinion stems from just having a very skeptical view of IM from when I first started and I never got sold on the whole "make $13531.07 whilst walking the dog" type stuff from day one.

          There probably are IM products that do work but I am personally enjoying learning this as a business model that I can build in my own unique way.
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      • Profile picture of the author Linda_C
        Originally Posted by SMS View Post

        Very good point, Linda.

        Unfortunately, I can't modify the poll.
        Let's change option 2 to:

        A product that will show you how to build and grow your Online Business.
        Still too vague, Oz. Because there's not just one way to grow a business.

        One example; everyone says the money is in the list. I hit 10K/month without a mailing list. George Brown seldom bothers to build or mail to lists on his own gsniper sites. Probably leaving tons of money on the table for sure - (lol) - but still proof one can make bank without a list.

        Another example; everyone says SEO and/or backlinks are essential. Nope again. If you DO have a big responsive list, Google doesn't matter. Leaving money on the table again? Yup, probably.

        Point being - there is more than one way to grow a business. No two success stories read the same. So a product showing "how" to grow a business is too vague.

        Which is why I look for specific materials that teach what I want to learn.

        Which is ALSO why I hate when people write their danged sales copy to tell what it's *not* - but don't tell what it IS. If I know what they're teaching, I know if I want it. I don't play guessing games with my wallet.

        /rant

        P.S. I'm not totally obtuse, though - yes, I'd rather buy solid instructions than push button hype.
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        • Profile picture of the author SMS
          Linda you are quite right - there are several ways to skin a cat.

          There are space limitations for the poll, so I guess that 'encouraged' me to be vague. Well, that's my excuse, and I'm sticking to it. :p

          Thanks for contributing.


          Originally Posted by Linda_C View Post

          Still too vague, Oz. Because there's not just one way to grow a business.

          One example; everyone says the money is in the list. I hit 10K/month without a mailing list. George Brown seldom bothers to build or mail to lists on his own gsniper sites. Probably leaving tons of money on the table for sure - (lol) - but still proof one can make bank without a list.

          Another example; everyone says SEO and/or backlinks are essential. Nope again. If you DO have a big responsive list, Google doesn't matter. Leaving money on the table again? Yup, probably.

          Point being - there is more than one way to grow a business. No two success stories read the same. So a product showing "how" to grow a business is too vague.

          Which is why I look for specific materials that teach what I want to learn.

          Which is ALSO why I hate when people write their danged sales copy to tell what it's *not* - but don't tell what it IS. If I know what they're teaching, I know if I want it. I don't play guessing games with my wallet.

          /rant

          P.S. I'm not totally obtuse, though - yes, I'd rather buy solid instructions than push button hype.
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          • Profile picture of the author Linda_C
            Originally Posted by SMS View Post

            There are space limitations for the poll, so I guess that 'encouraged' me to be vague. Well, that's my excuse, and I'm sticking to it. :p
            Nah. You just like being cryptic.

            So when are you going to spill the beans on the original survey that shocked you? No wait. I know how it works. That's part II, right?
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            • Profile picture of the author SMS
              No beans to spill. I'm just gathering more data for my personal use. Others can use this poll too, if they find it useful.

              Originally Posted by Linda_C View Post

              Nah. You just like being cryptic.

              So when are you going to spill the beans on the original survey that shocked you? No wait. I know how it works. That's part II, right?
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              • Profile picture of the author Linda_C
                Originally Posted by SMS View Post

                No beans to spill...
                Oh, baloney. Made me laugh, but baloney all the same. Your post (top of this page) says you need to either;

                Accept the results, and then completely alter the Belief System that I (and most other Internet Marketers) have about IM.
                Disregard the results because I was being lied to!
                Your original poll was 8 questions. This one isn't even close to the original one you sent out.

                This one makes me think the original (8 question) quiz left you confused or cynical or - something? So I'm wondering what the heck people said in those original 8 questions that make you "question your beliefs about IM or think you're being lied to."

                This thread is just the stuff on the surface. I'm curious about the parts under the surface. :rolleyes:
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                • Profile picture of the author SMS
                  Maybe I misundestood you, but when I say there are no beans to spill - I mean that I'm not planning to 'reveal' any secrets. I am just doing research to corroborate or cast doubt on results from previous research.

                  As for this not being close to the original poll...

                  Polls here only allow you to post one question, so I chose the one that shocked me the most, and I modified it slightly since there is no context from previous questions (like I have in the original survey).

                  And here's the original question:

                  6. Are you looking for a resource that will show you how to achieve success at the click of a button or would you rather invest in a resource that will show you how to build a solid foundation? Please explain.

                  I'm not confused. To the contrary I find the results very illuminating, and if the results are anything close to accurate - I might be able to do a lot of damage with the intelligence obtained.

                  What really shocked me is how one-sided the results were.

                  So, I'm just extending my market research to a different audience, to see how the results tie in with the original research.

                  Originally Posted by Linda_C View Post

                  Oh, baloney. Made me laugh, but baloney all the same. Your post (top of this page) says you need to either;



                  Your original poll was 8 questions. This one isn't even close to the original one you sent out.

                  This one makes me think the original (8 question) quiz left you confused or cynical or - something? So I'm wondering what the heck people said in those original 8 questions that make you "question your beliefs about IM or think you're being lied to."

                  This thread is just the stuff on the surface. I'm curious about the parts under the surface. :rolleyes:
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    • Profile picture of the author SMS
      I'd say that both you and Linda are advanced practitioners of this game, and what you are looking for is specialist knowledge that will help you acquire/develop specialist skills.
      Originally Posted by Ken_Caudill View Post

      Yes. The products worth buying are those that help you with a specific skill. The more I can learn about media buys, the happier I am. I'd like to know more about the psychology of color. No one knows everything.

      If there was a push button way to wealth, believe me, I'd be pushing that button like a monkey in a Skinner box.
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  • Profile picture of the author Grace Hawthorne
    Banned
    Originally Posted by SMS View Post

    I conducted a survey with a select group of Internet Marketers, and the responses I got are simply shocking.

    To be honest, I am inclined to call the respondents a bunch of liars, but before I do so, I'd like you to participate in this poll.

    The poll is a slightly modified version of one of the questions I asked in the survey. In fact the almost unanimous response I got to this question is, I think, the most shocking of the lot.

    I am hoping that the responses I get here on the Warrior Forum will help me determine which of two courses of action to take.
    1. Accept the results, and then completely alter the Belief System that I (and most other Internet Marketers) have about IM.
    2. Disregard the results because I was being lied to!
    Please, leave your explanations below.

    Many thanks,

    Oz.
    Oz, why in the world would anyone without some form of thinking impediment choose option 1?
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    • Profile picture of the author SMS
      You'd be very surprised, Grace!!

      Seriously.
      Originally Posted by Grace Hawthorne View Post

      Oz, why in the world would anyone without some form of thinking impediment choose option 1?
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  • Profile picture of the author GoDirectPhill
    I voted for #2
    but I want to own #1 haha

    Someone mind quoting and replying (or PM) to this question:

    why do some of these marketing firms (software) have low page rank lol?
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    • Profile picture of the author SMS
      So you voted for what you didn't want?

      Why?

      Originally Posted by GoDirectPhill View Post

      I voted for #2
      but I want to own #1 haha
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  • Profile picture of the author BloggingPro
    While option number 2 is what I would BUY its not what I want. I want option number ONE. I want push-button profits. Literally I want to be able to push a button and watch money fall out of the sky. We can all be dreamers once in awhile.

    Oh and I want Video proof of this button too. Until that happens I'll stick to option number TWO.

    The cool thing about building a solid business with option 2 is that eventually you'll be able to transfer massive amounts of money to your bank account with the "push of a button." Strange how thats works huh?!
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    • Profile picture of the author SMS
      So you are saying = you'd buy what you NEED NOT what you WANT. Interesting.

      Re: your last paragraph - VERY STRANGE, INDEED! :p
      Originally Posted by BloggingPro View Post

      While option number 2 is what I would BUY its not what I want. I want option number ONE. I want push-button profits. Literally I want to be able to push a button and watch money fall out of the sky. We can all be dreamers once in awhile.

      Oh and I want Video proof of this button too. Until that happens I'll stick to option number TWO.

      The cool thing about building a solid business with option 2 is that eventually you'll be able to transfer massive amounts of money to your bank account with the "push of a button." Strange how thats works huh?!
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      • Profile picture of the author BloggingPro
        Originally Posted by SMS View Post

        So you are saying = you'd buy what you NEED NOT what you WANT. Interesting.

        Re: your last paragraph - VERY STRANGE, INDEED! :p
        That's exactly what I'm saying. My online business doesn't include buying things I want, but rather things that I need. IM products aren't a form of entertainment and thus shouldn't be pushed under "discretionary" spending.
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        • Profile picture of the author Kay King
          Don't you find that a bit strange?
          Why is everything called "strange"?

          What people tell you they want - and what they buy - aren't always the same. Any marketer knows that.
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          • Profile picture of the author SMS
            I see strangeness everywhere I look. I guess I live in a strange strange world. :p

            So what do people buy, then? If they don't buy what they WANT? And if they don't buy what they NEED, either.

            VERY STRANGE!
            Originally Posted by Kay King View Post

            Why is everything called "strange"?

            What people tell you they want - and what they buy - aren't always the same. Any marketer knows that.
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        • Profile picture of the author SMS
          Most of us need to paste this above our PCs.

          Thanks.
          Originally Posted by BloggingPro View Post

          That's exactly what I'm saying. My online business doesn't include buying things I want, but rather things that I need. IM products aren't a form of entertainment and thus shouldn't be pushed under "discretionary" spending.
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  • Profile picture of the author O0o0O
    Long term growth is certainly the better option in this case. Given the volatile nature if the internet marketing world, it's even more imperative that we learn methods to establish a solid business model.
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    • Profile picture of the author SMS
      I agree with you, but so does everyone else. Don't you find that a bit strange? :confused:
      Originally Posted by O0o0O View Post

      Long term growth is certainly the better option in this case. Given the volatile nature if the internet marketing world, it's even more imperative that we learn methods to establish a solid business model.
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    • Profile picture of the author SMS


      I guess I deserved that.
      Originally Posted by lcombs View Post

      Some are.
      Some aren't.
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  • Profile picture of the author Ben Gordon
    To be honest, I would never create a bull**** product; even if I know I can make a bunch of cash out of it. I'm simply not that guy; I've only created two products, both systems that I truly use to make money.
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    • Profile picture of the author SMS
      Hi Ben,

      The poll was about buying NOT creating or selling.
      Originally Posted by Ben Gordon View Post

      To be honest, I would never create a bull**** product; even if I know I can make a bunch of cash out of it. I'm simply not that guy; I've only created two products, both systems that I truly use to make money.
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  • Profile picture of the author SMS
    Are you serious?
    Originally Posted by Gordon Gekko View Post

    For the most part...yeah.
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  • Profile picture of the author Fazal Mayar
    We love to overhype but we aren't liars as making money online is possible no?
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    • Profile picture of the author SMS
      Hey Fazal,

      I wasn't actually talking about the use of hype. That's an entirely different subject, and one that I'm sure has been discussed at great length on this Forum.

      Oz.
      Originally Posted by Fazal Mayar View Post

      We love to overhype but we aren't liars as making money online is possible no?
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  • Profile picture of the author edakehurst
    I would not buy a product that promises success at the click of a button, because I do not believe such a thing is possible. While we can build a business that gets us to the point where we can just punch button or two and money comes out the other end, I do not believe we can start there.
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  • Profile picture of the author GoDirectPhill
    Originally Posted by SMS View Post

    So you voted for what you didn't want?

    Why?
    Well, before I explain, I would suggest reviewing my warrior forum sign up date; as I'm rather new to the whole IM world. And I feel that enough people have said similar to what I'm thinking... but my concern as you've worded your poll, is that, promises can be broken
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    • Profile picture of the author JohnMcCabe
      Originally Posted by Linda_C View Post

      I didn't vote because neither option applies. I've been self employed for many years so I don't need foundations and I don't buy into push button hype. I buy stuff to learn specific skills I don't have or think I could do better.
      Could not have said it better myself.

      Originally Posted by SMS View Post

      Hmm... so only the "business owners" are voting, and the "biz opp seekers" have abstained? I wonder why?
      I think that in part it's the way the poll is worded.

      One thing a lot of pollsters have learned is that people answering polls, even anonymously, will tell you what they think you want to hear or what they think they should answer before they tell you the truth.

      That's why many marketers believe the only votes that count are the ones cast using cold, hard cash.
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  • Profile picture of the author BloggingPro
    I used to work at Subway. I'm sure you guys are more than familiar with this fast food chain. What was their claim to fame for a really long time? Some dude ate Subway and lost hundred of pounds!

    What the commercials don't tell you though is that the guy featured in those commercials actually WALKED to and from the Subway several MILES from his home.

    Hmmmm... so would that make Subway shameless liars or can you just consider that hype?

    According to several interviews with the marketing directors, Subway itself was extremely leery about promoting their sandwiches that way. Sales have nearly doubled for Subway ever since and its consistently listed as one of the "healthier" fast food joints in America--a perception that after working there is laughably not all that accurate.
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    You're going to fail. If you're afraid of failure then you do not belong in the Internet Marketing Business. Period.
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  • Profile picture of the author Jackie Walters
    I liked your question here. Sorry if I am offending or doing anything wrong, I am totally knew to the marketing scene. Was trying to see where I could post a question here. Would you mind answering this - what do you think of Xtreme Traffic Arbitrage? Seems this is the most important factor (driving traffic, or getting an opt in list) and I was wondering what some warriors thought about the program. Your advice would be much appreciated

    Lost here - Jackie W:confused:
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  • Profile picture of the author Angela Faye
    Sorry, I misunderstood your question. If you're going to be selling the product then you definitely need to go for what your audience is wanting. Especially, if you intend to make money on your product. Dan Brock is right! The chances of you making any real money are slim to none if try to sell them something that requires work. Most people are looking for the quick fix. No matter what market you're in. They want results fast. Good luck.
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  • Profile picture of the author IntegMark
    To answer the question of the thread, no, I wouldn't say Internet marketers are a bunch of liars. There have been and will always be more than a few that give the industry a bad name and a worse reputation. The problem has always been in identifying and differentiating between the two.

    As to the current poll question - it seems in my estimation that what most people are looking for is "A product that will show you how to build a solid foundation for your business ... at the click of a button" ... IE. A combination of the two.
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  • Profile picture of the author IsabelDaGuerra
    I would say that option 2, (if you have been roaming about the IM industry long enough) is my logical way to go.

    However, option 1 is for A. the very newbie, B. the not-so newbie who is desperate in making a miracle to put some food on the table after being shattered by the previous push-button scam and having to explain to the dear loved one where the money went... and / or refusing to believe that they are failures (proof of $$$$s - so it must be true), and / or has a purchasing addiction. Then there is C. The one who knows it, goes through the forums to read/post/questions etc., about the latest product that has come out.... Yah, all scam, bla, bla, bla... but still goes out and makes the purchase in the hopes that it must be 'the' secret key.

    I mean, even here... How many times have we bought the 'best of the best' WSO and quickly breezed through the whole project, nodded, agreed, said 'd**n good work man, glad I got it' and it is still sitting on one of many archived files? to be looked at later...

    So... I believe you have not been lied to.

    In all honesty, it is basically the conflict between thinking with the heart or reasoning with the brain. 'We know option 1 will not make us rich in the long term, but we do it and do not want anyone to know because our brains tell us that option 2 is the obvious one! So, truthfully then... when asked in the survey, would you say Option 1 or Option 2? Duh?! 2 obviously :-)(Yes, there is work with the latter, but that is anoher issue in itself)

    De pressa e bem nao ha' quem - No-one can do it fast and well
    ....
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  • Profile picture of the author celente
    i think there are some good marketers out there that can see an easy buck and go for it.

    But then again there are great marketerst that really want to help and change peoples lives.

    now that is cool, forget the rest. work hard and help people and become a good marketer, and a reputable one and the money and the right people will come to you .
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  • Well, it depends on how you phrase your question. If you actually meant:

    'A product that is guaranteed to bring success at the click of a button.'

    instead of

    'A product that promises success at the click of a button.'

    I would take A.

    That's because promises are often broken.

    Well, I said that, but I would probably take 'a product that promises success at the click of a button' anyways, regardless of whether I'm new or I'm an expert.

    Why?

    Firstly, regardless of my current experience, the first option sounds much easier. I would take that over the other one no matter what just because it sounds easier and because I can only afford one.

    The second option sounds harder. It's just my common sense to go with what's easier.

    I mean... "Build a foundation"? It doesn't even sound fun.

    It doesn't have anything to do with how experienced I am or not. Who doesn't want an easier solution to an existing problem if it actually exists? And who wants to do boring stuff?

    Just hearing the word 'business' actually gives me a lot of negative connotations. Such as wearing formal suits, glasses, and sitting in front of a table the whole day while answering emails and the phone.

    I like to think of it more as simply a 'road to success'. More fun, and has a zing to it.

    Even if I were as well off as Bill Gates, I would still go with the first option.

    Why?

    Because, I'm so well off and have enough money already. Why would I want to spend more time building a solid foundation for another business or even growing my existing business?

    Been there, done that... It wasn't as fun as I expected... I'm glad I don't have to sit in that Microsoft building anymore. It wasn't very cozy.

    I'd like to try something new. That push-button money sounds interesting...

    Of course, the question is asking what I would do if I could only afford one. That assumes that I am not as well-off as Bill Gates... I must be nearly dead broke.

    In such case, I would still buy the first product.

    Why?

    Because it seems like some easy money. I don't care whether it's long-term or sustainable, or whatever. I just want some money now and fast. The long-term can wait.

    The reason is because I know very well that in order to increase the amount of money you have, you need some money to invest.

    I can't do that, since I'm dead broke and I can only invest in one product.

    So I'll purchase the first product with what little money I have, and earn some quick and easy cash. Doesn't matter if it just works for a month or two.

    Take the cash I earned from the first product, and now that I have some extra coin, I'll then go and buy the second product.

    And with the extra short-term money that I got, I'll outsource what I learn in the second product, and I'll then keep on looking for more products that work like the first one.

    I don't care what anyone says. No matter how you look at it, this is all about the money...

    However, let's look at it this way...

    If I could only afford one, and I bought the second product, and that product told me that in order to build a solid foundation for a business, I would need to purchase some web hosting...

    Darn... I would be so messed up. I just spent my last dollar buying 'a product that will show you how to build a solid foundation for your business', and that product goes on to tell me to buy something else with money that I don't have.

    What do I do now? I really should have gone with the first product, earned some cash and used it to buy the second product. I would then have some cash left over to buy the tools recommended in the second product. Sigh...

    Please Oz, make us a push-button money tool that guarantees success! :O
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    • Profile picture of the author Mayanito
      Say what?

      I think we've all been buying too many shovels....and don't have a real map to where the gold is buried. So we pay through the nose and run in circles!

      Having said that...if the man (OZ) has a legitimate map that he's willing to share....shouldn't we stop buying from the shovel salesmen and listen to what he has to say?

      I'm waiting on the map and I'm willing to dig that foundation...Lord knows I got enough shovels!

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  • Profile picture of the author Ettienne
    It seems everything these days are "Make a million a week with the click of a button!"
    TOTAL BS! I have spent hours/weeks/months/YEARS figuring out how the online world works and trust me there is no get rich quick method out there.

    The problem I have with these blueprint sites, is that some of them don't offer what they say in their sales pitch! Or some promise the world for $97, so you decide "hell yeah that sounds good" and buy it, only to discover that after paying $97 you have to pay another $279 to actually GET what they advertised.

    People like this I will never buy from and will never have a good word to say about.

    Internet Marketing the way I've learnt it is all about HONESTY and INTEGRITY. So yes, 98% of the marketers out there are liars. Do your research PROPERLY before buying, dont just read a review or two because these reviews are usually written by the creators themselves
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  • Profile picture of the author allenjohn
    Yes, all Internet Marketers are shameless liars...

    (I just lied).

    All the very best, Allen
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  • Profile picture of the author maxx12
    definitely!! especially such scam services as directory submission and alike..
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  • Profile picture of the author Berkinb
    Oz,

    I can see where you're coming from (or going to in your OP.

    From what I've seen, 99% will select the 2nd option, and 99% will buy the first one.
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    • Profile picture of the author SMS
      Other people seem to be suggesting this, too. :confused:

      So why in your opinion will they select option 2, but buy option 1?

      I don't have a problem understanding why they would select option 2, or why they would buy option 1. However, I can't seem to get my head round the suggestion that their actual buying pattern completely contradicts their stated buying behaviour.

      Are they being deliberately misleading or is there something else at play here?

      Originally Posted by Berkinb View Post

      Oz,

      I can see where you're coming from (or going to in your OP.

      From what I've seen, 99% will select the 2nd option, and 99% will buy the first one.
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      • Profile picture of the author Berkinb
        Oz,

        I don't think they are deliberately misleading "you". They are misleading themselves.

        I believe it's simply self-justification. You know like we all are very good at finding excuses, blaming outside factors for our own failures and shortcomings.

        Deep inside, we all have the basic need to believe that we are smart, that we make our choices rationally, and that everything we do is for a good reason.

        And it's very easy to fool ourselves, "Yeah, I'm a very smart and reasonable man, doing all the right things. Things don't turn out well because it's Monday, there's a recession, other people are stupid..." I can prolong this list to infinity.

        Originally Posted by SMS View Post

        Other people seem to be suggesting this, too. :confused:

        So why in your opinion will they select option 2, but buy option 1?

        I don't have a problem understanding why they would select option 2, or why they would buy option 1. However, I can't seem to get my head round the suggestion that their actual buying pattern completely contradicts their stated buying behaviour.

        Are they being deliberately misleading or is there something else at play here?
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  • Profile picture of the author profitsforall
    Here's something I need to know before I answer the poll.

    In this hypothetical situation do the products in your poll do what they say they do? because it would totally change my answer.

    If I was given a choice between something where I can push a button and make oodles of cash (and it would work), or between spending money on building a sustainable business I would pick the push button solution each and every time, and I would push that sucker as much as I could until it broke.

    Let's face it, with all that cash I'm producing by pushing the button I could invest in making a sustainable business as well.

    However, my logical, sane side knows that no such push button solution exists - or if it does the person who invented it would be sat there pushing the button as hard as he/she can and wouldn't be selling it to anyone.

    So, if we are talking in terms of reality I would vote for something that helps me build a sustainable business.
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    • Profile picture of the author SMS
      Very intelligent question!

      In this hypothetical case - the only thing you have to go by is your individual judgement, and your personal goals.

      Let's face it nothing is guaranteed to work, and something that works for Mrs. X, may not work for Mr. Z.

      Obviously, if there were guarantees that both options would work, I expect the majority of people to go for Option 1. Unfortunately, life just ain't that simple.
      Originally Posted by profitsforall View Post

      Here's something I need to know before I answer the poll.

      In this hypothetical situation do the products in your poll do what they say they do? because it would totally change my answer.

      If I was given a choice between something where I can push a button and make oodles of cash (and it would work), or between spending money on building a sustainable business I would pick the push button solution each and every time, and I would push that sucker as much as I could until it broke.

      Let's face it, with all that cash I'm producing by pushing the button I could invest in making a sustainable business as well.

      However, my logical, sane side knows that no such push button solution exists - or if it does the person who invented it would be sat there pushing the button as hard as he/she can and wouldn't be selling it to anyone.

      So, if we are talking in terms of reality I would vote for something that helps me build a sustainable business.
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  • Profile picture of the author Istvan Horvath
    The whole thing reminds me of the ancient Greek "liar paradox"...

    "A man says that he is lying. Is what he says true or false?"
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  • Profile picture of the author theaffiliategeek
    Oz,
    You are digging into something that has confounded me for many years. About 2 years ago I finally got on the right track and things started to make sense. Let's take your poll. Overwhelming, people are going to vote for #2 and buy #1. For a long time, I thought people were lying when asked a direct question. I was stumped as to why they can't just answer a simple questions truthfully so I could create a product that's exactly what they want.
    It kind of sounds like that's where you are at now. First, the people are not intentionally telling lies at the polls. It's a very complex subject, and I'll tell you who helped me understand exactly what is going on. Read Blair Warren's work, the forbidden keys something or another. Google it and it will come right up. The answers you seek are there. Be prepared to be shocked, and the easy thing will be to dismiss his findings as false. They are however, true. Painful, but true. I'll give you one little hint and that all I'm going to say. There is an old saying that sums it up, "the truer the fewer"
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    • Profile picture of the author SMS
      I hear you, bro.

      THANKS!!!!
      Originally Posted by theaffiliategeek View Post

      Oz,
      You are digging into something that has confounded me for many years. About 2 years ago I finally got on the right track and things started to make sense. Let's take your poll. Overwhelming, people are going to vote for #2 and buy #1. For a long time, I thought people were lying when asked a direct question. I was stumped as to why they can't just answer a simple questions truthfully so I could create a product that's exactly what they want.
      It kind of sounds like that's where you are at now. First, the people are not intentionally telling lies at the polls. It's a very complex subject, and I'll tell you who helped me understand exactly what is going on. Read Blair Warren's work, the forbidden keys something or another. Google it and it will come right up. The answers you seek are there. Be prepared to be shocked, and the easy thing will be to dismiss his findings as false. They are however, true. Painful, but true. I'll give you one little hint and that all I'm going to say. There is an old saying that sums it up, "the truer the fewer"
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      • Profile picture of the author Kay King
        So why in your opinion will they select option 2, but buy option 1?
        Because they KNOW (common sense) the "best" path to take and they KNOW that "should be" the option a real business person would choose.

        After selecting option 2, they have used up their stores of common sense and go back to jumping on shiny new promises.

        You can also ask a question with different adjectives and get different answers to the same question.

        Do you prefer blue or brown?
        Do you prefer sky blue or s**t brown?
        Do you prefer rich chocolate brown or a garish bright blue?

        kay
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  • Profile picture of the author hueyliew
    When I started some time back, I purchased into hypes that promised one click pushbutton success formula/ blueprint, not that it does not work but still required lot of hard work. Since then, I purchased many tutorials to built my foundation. I now outsource most of the nitty gritty whenever possible. The secret of IM is there is no secret but through sheer hard work anybody may succeed.
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  • Profile picture of the author x3xsolxdierx3x
    Anything one chooses to do online will require work.

    I do believe it's entirely possible to structure highly effective sales copy that doesn't even remotely flirt with the grey line between truth and falsehood. I've made thousands, in the IM/MMO niche, without ever even using a monetary figure in my product sales copy.

    It CAN be done.
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